Stomp Box DIY: Easy Steps For A Piezo-Powered Beat
Introduction
Materials Needed:
- Small Wooden Cigar Box: Ensure it’s sturdy enough to withstand foot tapping. Wooden boxes are preferred over cardboard for durability.
2. Piezo Transducer: Often found in electronic stores labeled as “piezo buzzers.” These devices convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals.
3. 1/4″ Input Jack: Standard audio jack to connect the stomp box to an amplifier.
4. Self-Adhesive Tape or Duct Tape: For securing components inside the box.
Tools Needed:
Drill with a 1/4″ bit
Soldering iron and solder
Wire stripper
Sandpaper
Instructions:
Prepare the Cigar Box:
- Choose a small wooden cigar box. Ensure it’s made of wood for durability.
- Drill a 1/4″ hole on the side of the box to accommodate the input jack.
Prepare the Piezo Transducer:
- If the transducer is encased in plastic (as with piezo buzzers), carefully open the casing to extract the piezo element.
Solder Connections:
- Before soldering, lightly sand the contacts of the input jack to ensure better adhesion.
Solder the black (negative) wire of the piezo to the outer (ground) terminal of the input jack.
Solder the red (positive) wire of the piezo to the inner (hot) terminal of the input jack.
Assemble the Stomp Box:
- Mount the input jack into the drilled hole and secure it with its nut.
Attach the piezo transducer to the inside bottom of the box using self-adhesive tape. Position it centrally to capture vibrations effectively.
Fill any remaining space inside the box with foam to prevent internal movement and reduce unwanted noise. Ensure the foam doesn’t interfere with the lid’s closure.
If the lid moves or squeaks during use, secure it with duct tape to keep it firmly in place.
Final Touches:
- Close the box securely.
Connect the stomp box to an amplifier using a standard 1/4″ instrument cable.
Test the stomp box by tapping on it with your foot and adjust amplifier settings as needed to achieve the desired sound.
By following these steps, you’ll have a functional and portable stomp box to enhance your musical performances.
I have learned my lessons: you can not expect great-quality sound from a cheap piezo element. So the next Stomp Box comes with P-Bass-like pickups as a signal receiver. Take a look.